fuel economy standards – AutoGuide.com Newshttp://www.autoguide.com
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:36:45 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1AutoGuide.com Newsfuel economy standards – AutoGuide.com Newshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/themes/autoguide-proper/img/logo_autoguide_red.gifhttp://www.autoguide.com
Auto Industry on Track to Meet EPA Emissions Standardhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/04/automakers.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/04/automakers.html#respondFri, 25 Apr 2014 16:33:23 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=242327Auto Industry on Track to Meet EPA Emissions StandardEvery automaker that sells cars in the US was handed a challenge last year from the President, tasked to cut the average fuel economy of their entire fleet to 54.5 mpg by 2025. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released is report on how the industry is doing, and only one automaker, Jaguar Land Rover,... more]]>

Every automaker that sells cars in the US was handed a challenge last year from the President, tasked to cut the average fuel economy of their entire fleet to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released is report on how the industry is doing, and only one automaker, Jaguar Land Rover, is lacking enough EPA-issued credits to meet the agency’s emissions standards through the 2012 model year. These emissions standards are tied into the 2025 CAFE standard, and in the short term, require that each automaker’s fleet meet an average of 35.5-mpg by 2016.

“It’s the first year of a 14-year program, so we don’t want to overstate the significance of what the data are revealing,” said Christopher Grundler, the director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “But the data show that the automakers are off to a good start. … There are lower emissions at the tailpipe than we expected.”

In total, the industry average for 2012 was 286 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per mile, a full 9 grams per mile better than the EPA projections.

Many companies built enough fuel-efficient vehicles to pass the standard on their own, but some automakers purchased EPA credits from others who had a surplus to be safe. Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Ferrari all had to buy credits from other companies to make sure that they complied. On the flip side, Tesla, Nissan and Honda were all more than happy to sell some their credits for an undisclosed amount.

Selling EPA credits has become big business for many automakers. Tesla sells tons of credits because it only produces electric cars, while Honda and Toyota always have a surplus due to their large fleets of small, efficient vehicles.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/04/automakers.html/feed0more]]>Automakers Ahead of Schedule for MPG Standardshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/automakers-ahead-of-schedule-for-mpg-standards.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/automakers-ahead-of-schedule-for-mpg-standards.html#respondMon, 07 Oct 2013 12:02:31 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=216965Automakers Ahead of Schedule for MPG StandardsWith the new fuel standards to hit a nominal average of 54.5 mpg by 2025, automakers are working hard to improve the fuel efficiency across their lineups. According to Christopher Grundler, director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the EPA, automakers are actually well head of schedule. The agency estimates that for... more]]>

With the new fuel standards to hit a nominal average of 54.5 mpg by 2025, automakers are working hard to improve the fuel efficiency across their lineups.

According to Christopher Grundler, director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the EPA, automakers are actually well head of schedule. The agency estimates that for the 2013 model year, 27 percent of the new-car fleet will be in compliance with the 2016 greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards. The 2014 Mazda6, for example, exceeds its 2019 fuel economy target with its most fuel-efficient model rated at 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

There are around 90 models that are currently beating the 2016 standards thanks to advanced gasoline engines and transmissions. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, for example, is beating the 2016 target while the 2014 Altima is beating its 2018 target.

GALLERY: 2014 Mazda6

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/automakers-ahead-of-schedule-for-mpg-standards.html/feed0more]]>54.5 MPG Fuel Efficiency Standard Passed for 2025http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/54-5-mpg-fuel-efficiency-standard-passed-for-2025.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/54-5-mpg-fuel-efficiency-standard-passed-for-2025.html#respondTue, 28 Aug 2012 18:22:22 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=15254354.5 MPG Fuel Efficiency Standard Passed for 2025The Obama administration passed a new fuel efficiency standard today which requires every automaker to meet an average fuel economy of 54.5 mpg for cars and light trucks by 2025. This move will help the American public save $1.7 trillion at the gas pump and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels over the life... more]]>

The Obama administration passed a new fuel efficiency standard today which requires every automaker to meet an average fuel economy of 54.5 mpg for cars and light trucks by 2025.

This move will help the American public save $1.7 trillion at the gas pump and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels over the life of the program. Reduced dependency on foreign oil is also a positive aspect of the regulations, one that Operation Free, a group of military veterans calls “a national security imperative.”

For persons purchasing a new vehicle in 2025, the savings will be about the same as taking $1 dollar off of a gallon of gasoline and will amount to roughly $8,000 in savings over the lifetime of a vehicle. The standards will also cut emissions in half by 2025, reducing them by 6 billion metric tons compared to today.

“This historic agreement builds on the progress we’ve already made to save families money at the pump and cut our oil consumption. By the middle of the next decade our cars will get nearly 55 miles per gallon, almost double what they get today,” said President Obama. “It’ll strengthen our nation’s energy security, it’s good for middle class families and it will help create an economy built to last.”

Along with helping wallets and the environment, the new technologies needed to help our cars achieve these standards are currently under development, and should help to create around 150,000 new jobs.

Alongside the United Auto Workers union, 13 volume automakers in the U.S. announced their support for the regulations last year.

Fuel-saving technology has already been cited as being the most important factor when buying a new car, and automakers are already making serious moves to offer gas-sipping options.

Hybrid setups, lightweight materials, direct-injection, turbocharging, and all-electric battery powered vehicles are just some of the ways that car companies are helping to cut fuel usage. Diesel and natural gas vehicles are also being moved more into the main stream as alternatives to gasoline.

Incentives for buying a vehicle equipped with fuel saving technologies are also included in the regulations. All-electric vehicles along with plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles will be reduced in cost by the U.S. in hopes to push people towards early adoption. Hybrid technologies in large vehicles will also get incentives, along with natural gas.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/54-5-mpg-fuel-efficiency-standard-passed-for-2025.html/feed0more]]>Mercedes-Benz F125! May Preview Future S-Classhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/mercedes-benz-f125-may-preview-future-s-class.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/mercedes-benz-f125-may-preview-future-s-class.html#respondWed, 19 Oct 2011 00:15:38 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=87969Mercedes-Benz F125! May Preview Future S-ClassSo electric drive and fuel cells will be part of the equation, though to meet the demands of future S-Class customers, particularly those of range and performance, Mercedes understands that new, unproven technologies will have to be employed. more]]>

It created a lot of buzz when it was unveiled at Frankfurt back in September, yet the F-125! concept, besides showcasing possible future technologies such as a hydrogen-fuel cell powertrain, exotic construction materials and onboard telemetry, might also point to the direction large, executive cars may actually go if increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions standards remain on the cards.

Further emphasizing the fact that the F-125! might actually hint at future Mercedes S-Class models, Dr. Thomas Weber, head of R&D at Daimler AG (pictured with it above), said, in reference to the F-125! “this research car was built with the perspective of what does a car in 2025 look like?”

That’s far beyond the projection of most modern concept cars, which tend to either be trial balloons for upcoming production models, or hint at vehicles five to 10 years down the road.

However, given that the European Union, in it’s infinite wisdom, seems almost hell bent on outlawing large, gasoline engined cars (proposed smog standards for 2020 include a limit of 95 grams per km (5.4 ounces per mile – contrasting with around 154 g/km today) the F-125! could represent what you might get when walking into a Mercedes showroom and purchasing a S-Class, some two decades from now.

There’s no question, that in order to meet these ultra tough smog standards, electric drive and fuel cells will be part of the equation, though to meet the demands of future S-Class customers, particularly those of range and performance, Mercedes understands that new, unproven technologies will have to be employed.

One of them includes using a new Kevlar like material to store hydrogen in the vehicle’s body cavities instead of a conventional cylindrical tank, improving onboard capacity and help boosting the car’s range.

Yet another is using a lithium-sulphur battery to increase energy density and also boost performance and range. However, at present such technologies are very much in the infant stage, though Weber says that lithium-sulphur batteries might become more prevalent toward the end of the decade, even thought at that point, they’ll probably be relegated for use in small items, like power tools.

However, Tim Urquhart, a London based analyst with the firm IHS Global Insight, says that the F-125! doesn’t as much showcase the future of big cars, but rather how uncertain automakers are about them.

“Sometimes when an OEM is talking about these things, you take it with a pinch of salt,” he said. “In this car [the F-125!], I think they are trying to imagine what a vehicle of this type would be like in the long-term future.”

He also went on to state that for performance models and long legged GT cars, current thinking regarding EV technology simply isn’t the solution. “You’re not going to get a lithium-ion powered EV with internal combustion engine power and range. The chemistry won’t allow it.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/mercedes-benz-f125-may-preview-future-s-class.html/feed0more]]>Nissan Titan Diesel Test Program Underwayhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/05/nissan-titan-diesel-test-program-underway.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/05/nissan-titan-diesel-test-program-underway.html#commentsThu, 26 May 2011 15:08:04 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=65417Nissan Titan Diesel Test Program UnderwayHowever substantial gains in fuel economy have already been achieved, the diesel is said to currently allow a 2WD Titan to achieve around 28 miles per gallon, a sizeable improvement on the V-8 truck's 13/18 mpg (city/highway). more]]>

Back in September, the US Department of Energy, in conjunction with Nissan Motor Co, green lighted a proposal to test a Cummins four-cylinder turbo-diesel in the full-size Titan pickup.

The program was largely conceived to help big trucks like the Titan achieve better fuel economy, in lieu of the 35.5 miles per gallon CAFE requirements (that now also include light trucks), scheduled to be phased in in 2015.

The test engine, a 2.8-liter unit cranks out 350 lb/ft of torque at 1800 rpm making it comparable with the Titan’s existing 5.6-liter V-8. However substantial gains in fuel economy have already been achieved, the diesel is said to currently allow a 2WD Titan to achieve around 28 miles per gallon, a sizeable improvement on the V-8 truck’s 13/18 mpg (city/highway).

Cummins says this new diesel can be built in either 2.8 and 3.5-liter forms and thanks to the use of high strength steel pistons, is not only a sturdy engine but also rather compact by diesel standards, not that compactness is of real concern when installing one in a Titan.

The test program is scheduled to run through September this year and it will be interesting to see what further results develop when it comes to capability and fuel economy. However, regulators are now proposing even tougher fuel economy standards for 2025, as much as 62 mpg. With such shifting targets, in such a short period time, the ability of any pickup truck manufacturer to meet them is going to prove challenging at best.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/05/nissan-titan-diesel-test-program-underway.html/feed3more]]>EPA Proposes Fuel Economy, Emissions Standards for Heavier Trucks and Buseshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/10/epa-proposes-fuel-economy-emissions-standards-for-heavier-trucks-and-buses.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/10/epa-proposes-fuel-economy-emissions-standards-for-heavier-trucks-and-buses.html#respondWed, 27 Oct 2010 01:33:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=38396EPA Proposes Fuel Economy, Emissions Standards for Heavier Trucks and BusesRay LaHood; the current US Transportation Secretary, declared that the NHTSA and EPA proposals are " a win-win-win for the environment, businesses and the American consumer.” more]]>

Given that environmental issues and the need to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil are currently hot button issues, the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have laid out fuel economy and emissions proposals for all commercial vehicles – i.e. medium-duty trucks, big rigs, buses, motor coaches and RVs.

Three categories are being proposed: those for over the road trucks (which the agencies have labeled combination tractors) would be phased in beginning in 2014 and aim to achieve a 20 percent reduction in fuel economy and emissions by the fourth year of implementation (2018). Those for heavy-duty pickups, also designed to be phased in beginning in 2014, will actually comprise two different standards – one for gasoline engines, the other for diesels, which aim at a 10 and 15 percent reduction in smog output and fuel consumption respectively. Lastly, the proposed standards for vocation vehicles, also slated for a 2014 phase in would aim to achieve a 10 percent reduction in emissions and improvement in fuel economy through 2018.

Ray LaHood, the current U.S. Transportation Secretary, declared that the NHTSA and EPA proposals are “a win-win-win for the environment, businesses and the American consumer.” He also stated that “through [these] new fuel-efficiency standards for trucks and buses, we will not only reduce transportation’s environmental impact, we’ll reduce the cost of transporting freight.”

Exactly how the cost in transporting freight will be reduced remains to be seen. Currently, the vast majority of freight in North America is transported by truck and these new standards are stringent – a 20 percent reduction in fuel economy over such a short time frame is going to be difficult to achieve, which is already causing bumps to appear on the horizon. If big rig manufacturers and fleets aren’t able to meet these targets, then it is likely they will face hefty fines which in turn will be passed onto consumers – raising the cost for goods and services, including such essentials as housing, clothes, food and fuel. So instead of reducing freight costs they’re like to increase quite considerably. Meanwhile, economic analysts predict that it will take the best part of a decade for the U.S. economy to rid itself of the most recent recession and these standards will hit at a time when many Americans will likely still be struggling to make ends meet.